SMALL country towns adore their sport.
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And, that passion and devotion was never more evident than this week.
The Upper Hunter townships of Merriwa, Murrurundi and Aberdeen are in grand final mode with residents decorating their businesses, and homes, to showcase their loyalty to their respective teams.
For Merriwa, the Magpies could break an 18-year drought if the team knocks over the Aberdeen Tigers in the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League reserve grade decider at Scone Park on Saturday, September 7.
Black and white streamers, balloons, messages of encouragement and much more adorn the main street as well as many of the region's shop fronts.
"There's certainly a buzz around town," president Ben Robins said.
"It has been a long time between drinks - our last premiership victory occurred in 2001.
"So, the support for the boys is fantastic."
In Murrurundi, blue and red are the colours of the day as the Mavettes eye off the league tag crown at the expense of minor premiers Scone Thoroughbreds.
"It's great to see everyone getting behind the side," club committeeman, and Life of Pie owner, Brett Norman said.
"We're all proud of the girls.
"It [the support] will certainly lift them."
Meanwhile, Aberdeen is eyeing off a rare hat-trick.
The firsts tackle the Thoroughbreds, the "seconds" face the Magpies and the under-18s lock horns with the Singleton Greyhounds.
Senior player Daniel Hoogerwerf said everyone at the club was keen to "do Aberdeen proud".
"If we could win three premierships on Saturday, it would be massive for the town," he admitted.
"There are only about 3000 people who live here, however they all rally around the Tigers.
"They love their footy.
"It'd be great to bring home the trophies for them."
Even the Aberdeen Treasures' volunteers were chuffed that a Tiger, Liam Foran, was named Group 21 Player of the Year.
So, imagine the celebrations if the club prevails.
2019 Group 21 grand final draw
(Saturday, September 7 - Scone Park, Scone)
10am: league tag: Scone Thoroughbreds v Murrurundi Mavettes
11.20am: under-18s: Singleton Greyhounds v Aberdeen Tigers
1pm: reserve grade: Merriwa Magpies v Aberdeen Tigers
2.40pm: first grade: Scone Thoroughbreds v Aberdeen Tigers